UKMoths Northern Dart Xestia alpicola - Distribution map
Please note that the NBN Gateway map service has been terminated as of 1 April 2017.
As soon as a replacement map service is available, distribution maps will hopefully appear here again.
In the meantime, you can get some idea of distribution from the NBN Atlas website.
73.363 BF2125
Northern Dart Xestia alpicola
(Zetterstedt, 1839)
Wingspan c.35-40mm.
Mainly distributed in the mountains of Scotland, occupying habitat usually above 450m elevation. There are also colonies on the Scottish islands and in parts of northern England.
The adults are on the wing from June to August, and fly at night when they can be attracted to light. Occasionally they fly in the daytime.
The species has a two-year life cycle, the larvae overwintering twice.
The larval foodplant is crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) but other plants such as heather (Calluna) may also be used.
More images
